Former soldiers take on washing machine challenge

A group of 11 ex-servicemen from the Lake District have raised £13,000 for charity after hauling washing machines to the top of England's highest mountain.

The former soldiers hiked up Scafell at the weekend with seven-stone washing machines strapped to their backs. According to a report by The Westmorland Gazette, the mission was designed to raise as much money as possible for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust and Help for Heroes, a charity which helps wounded servicemen and women.

The average age of the group was 45. One man who took part is close to 60 years of age, while a member of the support team who walked to the top with the group is 75-years-old.

The idea came from 39-year-old former marine Dan Appleby. He said: "It was hard work but not too horrific. The weather helped because it was cool.

"We decided to do it because as ex-servicemen we wanted to do something for the guys who are still serving."

The team made it up and down the mountain, which is 3,209ft high, in just eight hours.